News / Brèves Back to previous selection / Retour à la sélection précédente Medvedev’s Nov. 23 Address to the Nation: A Stark, Measured Statement of The Grave Strategic Reality 28 November 2011 Russian President Dmitri Medvedev’s November 23 televised address to the nation conveyed the stark reality that the Russian leadership anticipates the outbreak of global nuclear war, and is determined both to defend Russia under those circumstances and, by warning of this, to try to deter it. Reported by wire services was Medvedev’s threat to deploy the Iskander missile system in Russia’s westernmost district of Kaliningrad, in response to the U.S./NATO emplacement of anti-ballistic missile systems in Europe. In fact, the address to the nation contained his announcement of other crucial actions. The ten-minute address is available with English subtitles on the Kremlin site, at http://eng.news.kremlin.ru/video/1034. It is extremely valuable to watch, for an appreciation of current strategic reality. Medvedev spoke from his Presidential office, flanked by the Russian tricolor flag in its version for the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, with the Russian double-headed eagle crest. In the address, Medvedev underscored that Russia has continued to offer cooperation with the United States and NATO on anti-missile defense. "At the NATO-Russia Council summit in Lisbon a year ago," he said, "I proposed developing a joint sector-based missile defence system in Europe, where every country would be responsible for a particular sector. Furthermore, we were ready to discuss additional modifications to the system, taking into account our NATO partners’ views. Our only goal was to preserve the basic principle that Europe does not need new dividing lines, but rather, a common security perimeter with Russia’s equal and legally enshrined participation. It is my conviction that this approach would create unique opportunities for Russia and NATO to build a genuine strategic partnership. We are to replace the friction and confrontation in our relations with the principles of equality, indivisible security, mutual trust, and predictability." Expressing regret over the lack of a positive response, Medvedev continued: "We will not agree to take part in a program that in a short while, in some five, six, or eight years’ time, could weaken our nuclear deterrent capability. The European missile defence programme is already underway and work on it is, regrettably, moving rapidly in Poland, Turkey, Romania, and Spain. We find ourselves facing a fait accompli." He said that he had stated Russia’s concerns to U.S. President Obama during their most recent meeting, on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Hawaii. Medvedev then announced the following orders, which he has already issued: "First, I am instructing the Defence Ministry to immediately put the missile attack early warning radar station in Kaliningrad on combat alert. "Second, protective coverage of Russia’s strategic nuclear weapons will be reinforced as a priority measure under the program to develop our air and space defences. "Third, the new strategic ballistic missiles commissioned by the Strategic Missile Forces and the Navy will be equipped with advanced missile defence penetration systems and new highly-effective warheads. "Fourth, I have instructed the Armed Forces to draw up measures for disabling missile defense system data and guidance systems if need be. These measures will be adequate, effective, and low-cost. "Fifth, if the above measures prove insufficient, the Russian Federation will deploy modern offensive weapon systems in the west and south of the country, ensuring our ability to take out any part of the US missile defence system in Europe. One step in this process will be to deploy Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad Region." Medvedev went on to raise the prospect of Russia’s withdrawing from the new START treaty and other disarmament agreements. He concluded: "But let me stress the point that we are not closing the door on continued dialogue with the USA and NATO on missile defence and on practical cooperation in this area. We are ready for that. However, this can be achieved only through establishing a clear legal base for cooperation that would guarantee that our legitimate interests and concerns are taken into account. We are open to a dialogue and we hope for a reasonable and constructive approach from our Western partners."